Beau Brummell is an example of how a 19th century British man with no title, fortune or illustrious family connections could climb up in society through education, wit and the right friends.
Beau Brummell's Family and Education
George Bryan "Beau" Brummell was the third generation of self-made men in the Brummell family. His grandfather, a former valet turned shopkeeper, rented out rooms to aristocrats. Beau's father was Lord North's private secretary. When Beau was born in 1778, he could expect to receive a gentlemen's education.
During his school years, Beau was known as "Buck". He went to Eton and Oriel College, where he was popular, a decent student and known for his fashion sense.
When Beau was at Eton, he was presented to the Prince of Wales and the future King George IV of England. After leaving college, the prince gave Beau a commission in his personal regiment, the 10th Light Dragoons, in 1794.
Beau Brummell and the Prince of Wales
Beau became friends with the Prince of Wales while serving in his regiment. Due to Beau's relationship with Prince George, he was promoted to captain in 1798. Yet, Beau soon left the military and began to live a life of leisure. By this time, he was a part of the prince's private circle.
British society invited Beau to all of the important social gatherings, where he was known to cut a dashing form and entertain people with witty stories. He belonged to elite gentlemen's clubs. He was often in the prince's company. He became friends with important society members such as the Duchess of Devonshire.
Beau's friendship with the Prince of Wales ended badly for unknown reasons. However, some biographers, such as Cynthia Campbell, note that Beau did not treat the prince or his values with enough respect. The prince revered the church and expected some degree of respect for his position from his friends. Beau once publicly insulted a bishop who accidentally used his snuffbox and was known to make unkind remarks about Prince George's weight. By the end of their friendship, the prince ignored or "cut" Beau at social gatherings.
Despite losing the prince's favor, he continued to be a desirable guest at society events and men copied his fashions.
Beau Brummell's Influence on Men's Fashion
Late 18th and early 19th century British society gentlemen use to wear powdered wigs, make-up, colorful embroidered satin coats and knee britches, high heels and perfume due to infrequent bathing. Beau ignored these fashions and established his own unique look. He bathed daily, refused perfume or cosmetics and wore his natural hair perfectly groomed. He wore plain dark coats made of wool with fitted trousers, cravats and polished boots. He dressed with a perfectly tailored masculine elegance that became known as "dandyism". This look soon became the preferred dress of British gentlemen. Beau's style of dress eventually evolved into modern men's suits and ties.
Beau Brummell's Latter Years in Caen
Beau never married or had children. His luxurious life style and love of gambling eventually forced him to flee to France in 1816. Friends found him a post as British consul at Caen. Yet, he eventually landed in a debtor's prison in 1835. He grew ill with syphilis, which caused him to lose his mind and suffer strokes which rendered him partially paralyzed. In 1840, he died in an asylum in Caen.
Sources:
Kelly, Ian, Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Man of Style, 2007
Campbell, Cynthia, The Most Polished Gentleman: George IV and the Women in His life, 1995
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